Earlier this month, as part of CFT’s preseason previewpalooza, Wes Lunt was named as one of the key transfers entering the 2014 season.
With the news today, the quarterback will officially get the chance to prove just how key he is.
In a move that’s been expected since spring practice, head coach Tim Beckman announced today that Lunt has been named as the Illini’s starting quarterback. Lunt had been involved in a nominal competition with Reilly O’Toole and Aaron Bailey, although his experience and big arm gave him a decided edge over the competition.
On the whole, the experience may have been the biggest factor.
Lunt was named Oklahoma State’s starting quarterback after spring practice in 2012 as an early enrollee true freshman and started the first three games of the season before being sidelined with an injury. He came back to start two more games before another injury sidelined him again.
Following a spring practice last year in which he had apparently slipped down the depth chart, Lunt decided to transfer from the Cowboys. He moved on to the Illini in June of 2013 and sat out the season to satisfy NCAA transfer rules.
Illinois opens the season Aug. 30 at home against Youngstown State.
(Photo credit: Illinois athletics)